The concept of "Glory in His Name" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the majesty, honor, and reverence due to God. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and proclaiming the greatness of God's name.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the glory of God's name is often associated with His mighty acts and His covenant relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for glory, "kavod," conveys a sense of weightiness and splendor. In 1 Chronicles 16:10, the psalmist exhorts, "Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice." This call to glory in God's name is a call to worship and to find joy in His presence.

The Psalms frequently highlight the glory of God's name. Psalm 29:2 declares, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Here, the psalmist calls the faithful to recognize God's supreme worth and to respond with worship that reflects His holiness and majesty.

The Name of God

The name of God in the Old Testament is not merely a label but a revelation of His character and attributes. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. The name YHWH, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations, is a sacred name that embodies God's covenant faithfulness and His relationship with His people.

The Third Commandment, found in Exodus 20:7, underscores the sanctity of God's name: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." This commandment highlights the importance of honoring God's name in speech and conduct, reflecting His holiness and glory.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the glory of God's name is further revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for glory, "doxa," conveys the idea of honor and praise. Jesus, as the incarnate Word, embodies the glory of God. In John 1:14, it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

The name of Jesus is exalted as the means of salvation and the focus of worship. Philippians 2:9-11 proclaims, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage highlights the universal recognition of Jesus' lordship and the glory it brings to God the Father.

Worship and Proclamation

The call to glory in God's name is a call to worship and proclamation. Believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect the glory of God and to declare His name to the nations. In 1 Peter 2:9, the apostle Peter writes, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, further emphasizes the importance of making God's name known: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mission underscores the centrality of God's name in the life and witness of the church.

Eternal Glory

The theme of glory in God's name culminates in the eschatological vision of the new creation. Revelation 21:23-24 describes the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory." In this eternal state, the glory of God's name will be fully realized and celebrated by all creation.